Bhekizizwe Opera

22/10/2024

If you are joining us for our screening at Cardiff University School of Music at 6pm tonight, we invite you to stay for a post-screening discussion and Q&A with librettist Mkhululi Matyalana Ka Mabija, director Ben Davis and composer Rob Fokkens.

Cardiff University Composers Edition

Photo by Kirsten McTernan

21/10/2024

For our sharing of Opera'r Ddraig’s film of Bhekizizwe starring the brilliant Themba Mvula tomorrow at 6pm Cardiff University School of Music, we are thrilled to be able to exhibit this banner, contextualising Bheki’s story, again.

Great work by Josh Conway designing it back in 2022!

18/10/2024

In addition to all the lovely audience feedback we've had, press responses have been no less positive. Rian Evans, reviewing Opera'r Ddraig's film for Opera magazine in May 2021, said:

“That one cared about Bhekizizwe’s fate was tribute to the baritone Themba Mvula’s moving portrayal…and to Fokkens, whose music capture the emotions and the tensions in a way that held one’s attention throughout…The five-strong accompanying ensemble…offered a sonic spectrum of surprising variety…

(Bhekizizwe’s) journey…is fluently conveyed in music that’s lyrical, jaunty or angry, and Fokkens’s word-setting is effective.

Mvula moves with an easy grace, his warm baritone catching the changing inflections…his articulation of Bhekizizwe’s voice is immaculate, as is his command of the various accents that help differentiate the other characters…”

If you are in Cardiff on Tuesday evening, don't miss the opportunity to see the film for yourself at Cardiff University School of Music. Free tickets for the showing and post-screening Q&A available here:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cardiffmusic/bhekizizwe-screening/e-pqagja

Don't forget to visit our website for more information about the production:

https://bhekizizweopera.com/

Cardiff University Prifysgol Caerdydd
Composers Edition

Photograph by Kirsten McTernan

17/10/2024

Bydd ffilm 2021 Opera'r Ddraig o Bhekizizwe gan Dr Robert Fokkens, Darllenydd Cyfansoddi mewn Cerddoriaeth, a'r libretydd Mkhululi Mabija, cyd-wladwr o Dde Affrica, yn cael ei dangos i ddathlu Mis Hanes Pobl Dduon fel digwyddiad agoriadol o gyngherddau Ysgol Cerddoriaeth Prifysgol Caerdydd 2024-25.

For the opening event of Cardiff University School of Music’s 2024-25 concert series, we celebrate Black History Month with a showing of Opera’r Ddraig’s 2021 film of Bhekizizwe by Dr Robert Fokkens, Reader in Composition in Music, and fellow-South African, librettist Mkhululi Mabija.

09/10/2024

Following our performance at Theatr Clwyd, Mold in 2022, audience members said:

"It was very emotive and I connected with it immediately"

"a very rewarding evening"

"An enjoyable event with impressive performance. Thank you!"

Don't miss the opportunity to see Opera'r Ddraig's film of Bhekizizwe at Cardiff University School of Music on 22 October at 6:00pm, shown as part of Cardiff University's Black History Month 2024 celebrations.

Free tickets available here:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cardiffmusic/bhekizizwe-screening/e-pqagja

03/10/2024

FILM SCREENING

A great opportunity for Cardiff residents to see Opera'r Ddraig's 2021 film of Bhekizizwe starring Themba Mvula coming up on Tuesday 22 October, 6pm at Cardiff University School of Music.
This is being presented as part of Cardiff University's Black History Month celebrations.

Book your free tickets on the link below:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cardiffmusic/bhekizizwe-screening/e-pqagja

23/07/2024

More feedback for Opera'r Ddraig's 2022 touring production with Themba Mvula. An audience member at Torch Theatre in Milford Haven said:
“a superb solo performance...Excellent portrayal...I think it was a marvellous performance”

Composers Edition Mkhululi Matyalana Ka Mabija

18/07/2024

Our brilliant baritone, Themba Mvula has been interviewed by Meet the Artist recently - a fascinating insight into his musical life, and some lovely mentions of his work on Bhekizizwe.

https://meettheartist.online/2024/07/15/themba-mvula-baritone-choir-director/

Composers Edition Opera'r Ddraig

For me, success is about the present — am I doing what I want to be doing right now?

17/07/2024

Thinking back to the wonderful feedback we got to Opera'r Ddraig's 2022 tour of Bhekizizwe with Themba Mvula - we'll share some over the next few days:

“ I LOVED it! Moving and funny and thought-provoking and brilliantly done.”

(audience member, Chapter , Cardiff)

15/03/2024

Wonderful to be in the room with Themba Mvula and Sam Cave as they prepare for their recital at Brunel University London at 1.10 today. Join the livestream here if you can’t get to Brunel: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/life/get-involved/brunel-arts/Concerts-and-performances

14/03/2024

Tomorrow at Brunel University, London, two of our company, baritone Themba Mvula and guitarist Sam Cave will be joined by pianist Sally Goodworth in a recital that includes a number of extracts from Bhekizizwe Opera, along with songs by South African composer Mokale Koapeng

Information and tickets on the link below:

https://students.brunel.ac.uk/whats-on/brunel-arts-lunchtime-concert-laura-snowden-copy

Photos by Kirsten McTiernan

12/10/2023

Our brilliant baritone, Themba Mvula, performs a Secret Concert tonight for Debut at the Brunel Museum in London. As part of the programme, he will be performing a scene from Bhekizizwe. Details in the link below:

MUSICIANS Themba Mvula baritone Sophia Elgar saxophone Przemek Winnicki piano Lizzie Holmes soprano & host Sam Peña resident piano improviser